Stihl,
A few things you must remember when you sell on eBay:
1. You - and you alone - are responsible for the safe delivery of your sale into the hands of your buyer. This may appear, at first glance, not to be right but when you think about it, it's the only fair policy. (If the carrier screws up, only the shipper (seller) can initiate an investigation and seek compensation). Don't tell your buyer you've shipped the item so it's out of your hands. It won't wash. The item may be out of your hands but it's still your responsibility.
2. Don't, for a moment, believe Canada Post's claim that overseas surface mail can be expected to be delivered "in 4 up to 6 weeks". Canada Post has absolutely no idea how long it will take (because the mail is out of their hands once it leaves Canada) but of course they'll never admit it. Inuk's estimate of 3 months is wild exaggeration for the most part but much depends on the destination, e.g. surface mail to Australia takes much longer than to Europe. Inform your buyer of the true situation with respect to surface mail overseas.
3. Always, always be prepared, within reason, to refund your buyer in full, no questions asked. You have no choice but to accept his or her word that the item has not arrived. Assure your buyer that you will refund before the 45-day (or whatever it is) limit expires and avoid a formal "dispute" on eBay at all costs. Keep it between you and the buyer and keep your word. When you refund, tell your buyer you would appreciate repayment when the item arrives, which it will 99% of the time.
I'm sure the matter of your sale to Hungary will eventually resolve itself to everyone's satisfaction.
Tom
